Brake pads are considered to be an important component of the braking operation of the automobile. They play a vital role in operating and facilitating the brakes every time you press the brake. Brake pads are usually available in various types depending on the design of the vehicle and its design.
Driving without a proper braking system can be one of the most dangerous situations of all time since it may cost many lives and also affect the vehicle braking system. It is extremely important for one to keep in mind, about the regular maintenance of the vehicle through mobile brake maintenance services.
Brake pads are a type of friction element that is linked with the metal plate of the backing. In the case of a disc braking system, a pair of brake pads are attached behind all the wheels of the car.
Working on a Brake Pad
A brake pad is one of the crucial elements in the braking system. At the time of applying the brake, an element called the master cylinder moves the given force from the brake pad to the brake fluid in the vehicle. After that, the liquid moves in by the brake lines and serves as a brake caliper for every wheel of the automobile. Then, each brake caliper starts squeezing a collection of brake pads in opposition to the disc-shaped rotor which instead creates friction that stops the car.
Chances of Brake Pad Replacement
A brake pad has to be replaced or repaired when needed immediately. There are a few signs that indicate the poor condition of the brake pads. A grinding sound represents the worn-out or depreciated brake pad and the high possibility of damage to the brake rotors. There also exists a squealing sound, where you will have to exchange the soft metal attached to the brake rotor.
It is usually very difficult to select the best type of brake pad for your vehicle since all the materials provide friction to the brake system. It is not immediately clear from the titles of the various brake pad types which ones are the most popular or which one you ought to pick.
Types of Brake Pads
There are different types of Brake Pads that are used in vehicles according to their respective use cases i.e. different category vehicles – different category brake pads. Let us read about the different types of brake pads which are used in different automobiles.
1. Semi-Metallic
Semi-Metallic brake pads are the most commonly used brake pads. They have 30% to 65% of metal in them. These are known for their long-lasting quality. These pads have the capacity to function during both hot and cold temperatures in the environment. These brake pads are comparatively less costly and also work easily on rotors compared to ceramic brake pads. It is most commonly used by high-performing or racing cars for a faster and exclusive performance. Since race cars will have to apply sudden brakes, these pads facilitate immediate action.
Steel wool, copper, wire, and other materials might be added to these brake pads. These are mixed together and bound by the organic gum or resin. Then they are moulded into existing shape moulds and are baked into a furnace.
It facilitates robustness. They are basically very noisy and release a lot of dirt and dust particles. The manufacturers tend to reduce the noise explosion in every new version. They work well with cars that are used for daily driving. Semi-metallic brake pads are also used by heavy-duty vehicles since they require a strong braking force to stop larger weights.
However, semi-metallic brake pads are heavier than other types of brake pads, thus based on that vehicle, fuel economy may be significantly decreased.
Driving in chilly areas may require some time for the brake pads to warm up because they work best when they are warm. You can notice a tiny response time lag if you apply the brakes before they are fully warmed up.
2. Ceramic
These types of brake pads were introduced in the mid-1980s and are usually very expensive compared to the other types of pads. On the other hand, they produce much less noise and dust comparatively. Similar to semi-metallic pads, these are also durable in nature. Usually, the ones that use ceramic pads are termed to be driving supercars. They tend to absorb heat from the sharp brakings at the curves too.
This brake pad is made up of ceramic fibre, carbon, graphite and other relatable materials. These are used to prepare plates and pottery. They contain copper fibres which are embedded into them and that facilitates increasing friction and conduction of heat. They are known for outperforming organic pads particularly.
One of the core disadvantages of this type of brake pad is that it takes a lot of time to increase the temperature for operating purposes. In the case of rallying, ceramic pads are termed as the most suitable pads. It cannot be purposeful or helpful when installed in an average vehicle that covers regular distance and speed.
They are considered to be very expensive but they work for their worth. The major features listed out on using these pads are:
1. Level of Noise: They are considered to be very quiet and release no extra sound during the brake application.
2. Dust exhaust: When compared to organic pads, these pads produce only less dirt and dust.
3. Temperature: They are reliable in nature while driving at all rates of temperature.
On the other hand, they also have a few limitations. One among them is the cost of the pad which is not affordable by many. Also, since ceramic and copper are not able to absorb more heat, the hot temperature passes through the pads and the brake system. This also causes a lot of depreciation of the brake pad. They are not fit for extreme driving conditions. They are lightweight in nature.
Most of the domestic vehicles in foreign countries use this type of ceramic brake pad.
3. Non-asbestos Organic
These brake pads are known for their noise and brake dust emissions. The copper or steel in these pads, however, aids in heat transmission and shattering. Typically, organic materials like glass, fibre, rubber, and Kevlar are used to make these brake pads. There was a period when asbestos was used to make pads, but because of health and safety issues, asbestos was eventually replaced by alternative materials.
These pads are relatively soft and quiet. Non-Asbestos Organic brake pads will wear out quickly while being easier on the brake discs themselves, making them only appropriate for regular road driving.
Fibres, high-temperature resins and other filler materials are used to make organic brake pads. They emit very less noise comparatively. These pads degrade very soon. Long-term exposure to asbestos has been demonstrated to be a very powerful carcinogen that can result in cancer. Asbestos wasn’t a safe material to utilise in creating brake systems and the manufacturers understood this. In order to fill the void, organic brake pads, also known as non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads, were developed.
Which Type of Brake Pads is Best?
So, while choosing between ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic brake pads, which one is the best option for you? It truly depends on the ride quality you want from your car and how you want to drive.
Semi-metallic brake pads
These are perhaps the ideal option if you drive your car like a high-performance sports car. On the other hand, if you commute frequently in cities, a solid ceramic brake pad would be a better choice. The best, least expensive alternative for your driving habits may be an organic brake pad if you do not even drive a lot of mileage on your car.
Organic brake pads
On the other hand, are ideal for the smooth functioning of little automobiles. To discover the finest brake pads for towing, take your time to carefully examine each product’s stopping power, brake dust and noise level.
Furthermore, if your cars frequently transport cargo or people, or if you drive them in hilly terrain, inexpensive or conventional brake pad replacements won’t be available to use. You will need an upgraded or heavy-duty brake pad in certain circumstances.
Regardless of the kind you pick, be sure you routinely get your brakes tested and your brake pads updated. When the metal “tang” at the base of the brake pad squeals when it comes into contact with the rotor, you’ll know your brake pads need to be replaced. All varieties of brake pads include tangs that serve as wear indicators; if you hear one, acquire replacement brake pads as soon as possible. Keep an eye on the mobile brake maintenance.
Try consulting a brake specialist to keep your car in perfect condition. If you need any help with regard to the brake pads, try contacting mobile mechanic Adelaide, the best auto care shop in Adelaide.
